Physical insecurity of journalists and the issue of impunity in Ghana a case study of multimedia group limited

Abstract

Evidence submits that journalists and other media workers are faced with threats and brutalities due to the nature of their job. The problem is recurring due to the impunity of crimes against journalists. This study seeks to ascertain whether this assertion is true in the Ghanaian context using Multimedia Group Ltd as a case study. The study aimed at investigating the types of acts of physical insecurity journalists at Multimedia often experience, the perpetrators of the acts, support systems available to them when they experience acts of physical insecurity and their perspectives on impunity. Through interviews, data is gathered from five purposively selected journalists from Multimedia and thematically analysed. The study revealed that journalists of the Multimedia Group Limited have been threatened, or physically assaulted and verbally abused and the perpetrators are hardly apprehended. In instances where are apprehended, such perpetrators are hardly prosecuted. Those in the security apparatus, mobs, political and government officials are the main culprits of attacks and threats journalists. It was also revealed that the Multimedia Group Limited provides some support for staff who are attacked It is suggested that journalists should work in pairs and be given security training to access threats and be cautious when working. The study concludes that journalists should be trained in crisis management, assessment and reporting. Finally, journalists should also be given social protection packages from their employers to cushion them when they come under attack.